Sumac-Spiced Roasted Chicken with Preserved Lemons

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken thighs marinated in tangy sumac and garlic, roasted until golden with preserved lemon slices for bright, complex flavor. This middle eastern ready in about 50 minutes pairs chicken thighs, sumac, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 395 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 395 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Pat 1.5 lbs chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Rub with 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp sumac, and 3 minced garlic cloves, ensuring each piece is coated.
  2. Step 2: Arrange chicken in a single layer in a baking dish. Place 2 thinly sliced preserved lemons on top of the chicken. Roast for 30 minutes until the thickest part reaches 165°F and edges are golden brown.
  3. Step 3: Remove from oven, sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sumac-Spiced Roasted Chicken with Preserved Lemons take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Sumac-Spiced Roasted Chicken with Preserved Lemons?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sumac-Spiced Roasted Chicken with Preserved Lemons?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Sumac-Spiced Roasted Chicken with Preserved Lemons for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Sumac-Spiced Roasted Chicken with Preserved Lemons?

Middle Eastern middle eastern like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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